ftbe  <3reat 


AN    INDIAN"    MYSTERY    PLAY 


E;   I.  HOBART 


OBreat 


, 

AN   INDIAN   MYSTERY    PLA^ 


BY 

MARIE  E.  J.  HOBART 


Thou  art  the  Way,  to  Thee  alone 
From  sin  and  death  we  flee; 

And  he  who  would  the  Father  seek, 
Must  seek  Him,  Lord,  by  Thee. 


The 

Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society 
New  York 


THE 
SAINT  AGNES  MYSTERY  PLAYS 


LADY  CATECHISM  AND  THE  CHILD. 

THB  LITTLE  PILGRIMS  AND  THE  BOOK  BELOVED. 

THE  VISION  OF  ST.  AGNES'  EVE. 

ATHANASIUS. 

THB  GREAT  TRAIL. 


jDrbitateb  to 
J>raruf  6  anD  eitjatetl)  .J&Qanning 


910081 


PROLOGUE 

(  Used,  when  first  presented,  in  Trinity  Parish, 
New  York} 

Music— "0  Zion,  blest  City"  from  Hiles'  "Cru- 
saders." 

Enter,  in  procession,  TRINITY  CHURCH, 
followed  by  the  CHAPELS  OF  TRINITY 
PARISH.  They  take  their  places  before 
the  curtain. 

TRINITY  CHURCH   (speaking  with  gracious  dig- 
nity). 

Good  Christian  people  who  have  come  to  see 

Our  Mystery,  we  greet  you  fair,  and  bid 

You  welcome  with  full  love  and  fervent  wish 

To  profit  you  by  that  we  have  to  show. 

More  than  two  hundred  years  have  passed  since  first 

I  came  and  took  my  seat  by  that  rude  wall 

Which  your  forefathers  built  to  shelter  them 

From  the  swift  arrows  of  the  Indians. 

How  are  times  changed  since  then !    Your  race  now 

rules 
The  land  where  erst  the  red  men  roamed.     The 

woods 

And  pastures  of  this  isle  are  passed  beyond 
[5] 


Prologue 

Remembrance.     Traffic's  brazen  roar  has  drowned 
Those  songs  of  praise  which  nature  sang  to  God 
When  first  I  came.    Great  men  have  come  and  gone, 
Manners  and  modes  and  schools  of  thought  have 

passed. 

One  thing  abides  and  with  me  stands  unchanged, 
The  Faith  that  once  and  for  all  time  was  given. 
That  Faith  I  brought  you  from  the  motherland 
When  I  was  sent  to  mother  you  with  love. 
And  so,  good  people  who  have  come  to  see 
Our  Mystery,  think  not  to  hear  or  see 
A  garish  novelty.    With  such  we  keep 
Not  pace.    Yet  fear  not  that  we'll  weary  you 
With  matter  worn  or  faded.    Truth  though  old 
Is  yet  divinely  young  and  full  of  sap; 
All  its  fresh  springs  are  found  in  God,  the  God 
Not  of  the  dead  but  of  the  living  soul. 
So,  gentle  pilgrims  to  the  heavenly  land, 
I  bid  you  bring  your  hearts  attuned  to  catch 
Our  melody,  while  we  with  simple  art 
Essay  to  make  you  see  and  love  this  one 
And  only  way — this  trail  for  sinful  man 
The  heights  to  win  if  so  he  would  attain 
To  that  high  place  where  our  ascended  Lord 
Hath  led  the  way  and  whence  he  calls  to  us 
Through  his  own  Church,  bidding  us  climb  to  Him. 

TRINITY  CHURCH  and  the  CHAPELS  pass 
out  in  the  order  of  their  entrance. 


[6] 


THE   GREAT  TRAIL 

PART  I. 

WHERE? 
In  the  Forest  Primeval 

WHEN? 
In  the  Fulness  of  Time 

WHO   WERE   THEY? 

TOWERING-PINE,  an  Indian  Chief. 

RED- WOLF,  called  FIRST-IN-THE-RACE,  his  young 
Son. 

BRAVE-BEAR,  another  Indian  boy. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT,  called  UNCHEEDA  (grand- 
mother), an  old  Squaw. 

GENTLE-FLOWER,  a  Captive. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS,  an  Inspiration. 

THE  MOTHER  OF  us  ALL,  Ecclesia  Docens. 

A  forest  glade  at  sunrise.  RED-WOLF 
standing  in  a  dejected  attitude,  and  look- 
ing wistfully  at  a  rude  cross  that  is  fast- 
ened to  a  tree.  He  looks  up  the  glade, 
shading  his  eyes  with  his  hand. 

RED- WOLF.     The  sun  rises  and  puts  an  end  to  an- 
other sleepless  night,  but  it  cannot  dispel  the  shad- 

[7] 


The  Great  Trail 


ows  that  lie  on  my  sad  heart.  (  With  a  restless  mo- 
tion as  if  in  pain. )  Oh,  I  am  so  young  and  strong,  the 
earth  is  so  beautiful  and  I  have  such  a  fierce  hunger 
for  happiness !  Must  I  always  suffer  as  I  do  ?  Can 
nothing  undo — (he  looks  about  him  furtively,  then 
turns  his  eyes  again  to  the  cross).  She  said  that 
it  meant  love,  but  love  could  never  be  for  me. 

Enter  BRAVE-BEAR.    He  has  a  bow  and  a 
quiver  of  arrows  in  his  belt. 

BRAVE-BEAR.  Ho,  First-in-the-race,  what  are  you 
doing? 

RED-WOLF.  Nothing,  as  you  might  see  for  your- 
self, but  look,  the  sun  is  rising  and  Gentle-flower 
will  be  coming  to  her  own  quiet  place;  we  must 
leave  it  to  her. 

BRAVE-BEAR  (pointing  to  the  cross).  Do  you 
know  what  that  is? 

RED-WOLF.  I  only  know  that  she  loves  it,  and 
that  she  finds  peace  when  she  comes  to  it. 

BRAVE-BEAR.     Does  she  worship  it  ? 

RED-WOLF.  I  asked  her  that,  and  she  said  no. 
She  said  that  it  is  the  symbol  of  the  white  man's 
religion,  and  that  it  means  love,  but  I  do  not  un- 
derstand. 

BRAVE-BEAR.  Well,  then,  there  is  no  use  staring 
at  it.  Come,  First-in-the-race,  get  your  bow  and 
we  will  find  some  squirrels  for  breakfast. 

RED- WOLF  (angrily).  Have  I  not  told  you  that 
I  will  be  called  Red- wolf  and  by  no  other  name? 

[8] 


The  Great  Trail 


BRAVE-BEAR  (sullenly).  First-in-the-race  is  your 
true  name  whether  you  will  or  no.  Did  not  the 
Medicine  Man  give  it  to  you  when  you  won 

RED-WOLF.  Be  silent  !  I  hate  the  name,  and  I 
hate  every  thought  of  the  race!  (Lozvering  his 
voice.)  See,  there  comes  Gentle-flower,  go  find 
your  squirrels,  I  will  wait  for  another  time. 

Exit  RED-WOLF  to  right. 

BRAVE-BEAR  (looking  after  him}.  Uncheeda  is 
right,  you  are  bewitched,  Red-wolf.  You  have  lost 
your  appetite  and  your  cheerfulness.  Soon  you  will 
lose  your  courage,  and  then  you  may  go  and  draw 
water  and  chop  wood  with  the  squaws,  for  you  are 
not  fit  to  be  with  men.  If  Brave-bear  had  won  the 
race,  he  would  fly  for  very  happiness ! 

Exit  BRAVE-BEAR  to  left. 
Enter  GENTLE-FLOWER.    She  kneels  down 
before  the  cross,  and  bows  her  head  in  her 
clasped  hands.    After  a  brief  silence, 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Lead  us  not  into  temptation 
but  deliver  us  from  evil.  Amen.  (She  rises  and 
remains  for  a  few  moments  in  an  attitude  of  deep 
contemplation,  then  draws  from  her  bodice  or  belt 
a  little  notched  stick  and  looks  at  it.)  Yes,  it  is 
Sunday  again,  the  seventh  after  Trinity,  I  think, 
(cuts  another  notch  and  replaces  the  stick  in  her 
belt).  It  grows  harder  to  remember.  I  am  so  far 
away  from  Holy  Church,  so  utterly  alone.  It 
[9] 


The  Great  Trail 


sometimes  seems  as  if  God  had  forgotten  me.  Yet 
it  comforts  me  to  remember  that  Mother  Church 
is  ever  praying  "That  it  may  please  Thee  to  have 
mercy  on  all  prisoners  and  captives."  How  little  I 
dreamed  in  those  happy  days  that  I  should  ever  be 
a  captive!  When  I  think  of  all  the  happy  people 
who  have  their  Bibles  and  Prayer-Books,  and  I — 
If  I  had  but  just  a  leaf  to  see  the  dear  familiar 
word,  familiar  but  some  have  grown  very  faint. 
Far  away,  beyond  these  forests  and  beyond  the 
mountains  and  rivers  there  are  church  bells  ring- 
ing to-day,  and  the  big  doors  are  wide  open,  and 
happy  people  are  pouring  into  them,  and  yes,  there 
are  madly  foolish  ones  who  pass  by  the  open  door 
or  bide  at  home,  and  I —  (with  intense  longing) 
Oh,  what  would  I  not  give  to  creep  in  and  kneel 
in  the  very  back  of  the  church  and  drink  of  the 
water  of  life,  drink,  drink  till  I  was  satisfied !  Like 
as  the  hart  desireth  the  water-brooks,  so  longeth 
my  soul !  I  always  loved  that  psalm.  (She  pauses, 
walking  to  and  fro,  then  stops  and  looks  up  through 
the  trees.)  Dear  Lord,  remember  me  in  mercy! 
I  feel  as  if  Thou  wert  so  far  away.  The  things  that 
once  I  knew  about  Thee  seem  slipping  from  my 
memory.  These  Indians  are  very  kind  to  me,  but 
they  do  not  know  Thee.  Oh,  leave  me  not  alone, 
I  cry  to  Thee. 

Enter  SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS.    Hail,  little  Christian ! 
[10] 


The  Great  Trail 


GENTLE-FLOWER  (with  a  movement  of  surprise). 
I  did  not  see  thee,  sweet  lady.  Thou  didst  almost 
frighten  me. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS.  How  long  hast  thou  dwelt 
in  captivity  among  the  Indians,  thou  sad  little  Chris- 
tian? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  It  is  more  than  three  years 
since  wandering  in  the  fields  at  eventide  I  was  seized 
by  a  roving  band  and  carried  far  from  my  dear 
home. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS.  Three  years!  And  yet 
thou  art  the  only  Christian  here? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Thy  grave  look  seems  to  re- 
prove me.  Who  art  thou,  and  how  have  I  offended 
thee? 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS.  Thine  offense  is  not  against 
me.  I  am  but  a  voice,  the  voice  that  is  ever  crying 
in  the  wilderness,  "Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord." 
I  have  a  message  for  thee  in  which  is  enfolded  the 
answer  to  thy  prayer. 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (with  awe).  From  whom  is 
the  message? 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS  (reverently).  From  thq 
Head  of  the  Church. 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (kneeling).  Speak,  Lord,  for 
thy  servant  heareth. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS.  Thy  tears  and  thy  prayers 
have  come  up  for  a  memorial  before  God.  The  Lord 
Jesus  knoweth  thy  faith  and  love  and  thy  stead- 
fastness, yet  hath  He  this  against  thee.  Thou 

[11] 


The  Great  Trail 


hast  never  told  what  great  things  the  Lord  hath 
done  for  thee.  Thou  hast  freely  received,  but  thou 
hast  not  freely  given. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  I  do  repent  and  am  heartily 
sorry.  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  how  I  may  now 
amend  and  do  the  bidding  of  my  Lord. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS.  By  remembering  the  words 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  how  he  said,  "Ye  are  the  salt  of 
the  earth!"  "Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world."  By 
letting  thy  light  so  shine  before  men  that  these 
people  among  whom  the  Lord  hath  sent  thee  to 
dwell  may  glorify  thy  Father  which  is  in  Heaven. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.     By  God's  grace  so  I  will. 

SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS  (Laying  her  hand  in  bless- 
ing on  GENTLE-FLOWER'S  head).  Arise,  little 
Christian,  shine,  little  Christian,  for  now  thy  light 
has  come. 

Exit  SPIRIT  OF  MISSIONS. 
GENTLE-FLOWER  remains  on  her  knees  for 
a  few  moments,  then  rises  and  going 
quickly  to  the  tree  which  has  been  her 
oratory,  removes  from  it  the  rude  cross, 
and  turning  holds  it  up.  As  she  does  so 
RED-WOLF  enters. 

RED- WOLF  (with  deep  interest).  What  are  you 
doing,  Gentle-flower? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  I  have  been  keeping  this  beau- 
tiful and  glorious  thing  for  myself.  Now  I  am 
taking  it  to  others. 

[12] 


The  Great  Trail 


RED-WOLF.  Will  you  indeed  share  your  treasure 
with  others? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  My  treasure?  Ah,  First-in- 
the-race,  it  is  indeed  my  treasure,  but  it  is  not  mine 
alone,  it  is  for  you  and  for  Towering-pine  and  for 
Crying-in-the-night,  and  for  all  the  Tribe,  and  for 
all  the  World! 

RED- WOLF.    You  said  that  it  meant  love? 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (exultingly) .  It  does  mean 
love,  the  love  of  the  Great  Spirit  for  me  and  for 
you —  (checking  herself,  then,  with  concern). 
Why,  Red-wolf,  you  have  a  burden  on  your  back, 
I  did  not  notice  it  before,  is  that  what  makes  you 
stoop  and  walk  so  wearily? 

RED- WOLF  (eagerly).  Oh,  Gentle-flower,  I  have 
so  often  wanted  to  tell  you  and  see  if  you  could 
not  help  me.  I  have  done  something  very  coward- 
ly and  disloyal,  something  unworthy  of  an 
Indian  boy,  and  ever  since  I  suffer  so.  From  the 
rising  of  the  morning  until  the  evening  stars  ap- 
pear, nay,  even  through  the  long  hours  of  the  night, 
I  suffer  so. 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (with  tender  sympathy).  That 
is  sin,  Red-wolf,  the  burden  of  sin.  But  this  (in- 
dicating the  cross)  can  help  you.  It  is  the  love 
of  God  that  takes  away  sin  and  makes  us  clean. 

RED- WOLF  (hungrily).  How  do  you  know  that 
it  can? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Because  it  has  done  so  for  me. 
[13] 


The  Great  Trail 


RED- WOLF  (surprised  and  protesting,).  For  you! 
Surely,  Gentle-flower,  you  have  no  sin! 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Indeed,  I  have.  I  am  only  be- 
ginning to  understand  how  grievously  selfish  and 
cruel  I  have  been  in  hiding  the  light  of  love  from 
those  who  so  greatly  need  it.  But  by  the  heavenly 
grace  of  my  Lord  I  will  now  and  forevermore 
hold  it  up  as  faithfully  as  I  can.  We  have  all 
sinned,  Red-wolf,  and  we  may  all  be  delivered 
from  our  sin  and  made  clean  and  glad  and  free. 

RED- WOLF  (pleadingly).  Can  you  show  me 
how? 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  enters  unperceived 
by  RED-WOLF  and  GENTLE-FLOWER. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  If  Mother  Church  were  only 
here!  Still,  I  can  tell  you  the  story  of  the  cross 
and  you  will  see  that  by  it  alone  all  our  wounds  are 
healed,  our  sorrows  comforted 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  (comes  forward  and 
points  to  the  cross).  Your  Mystery  may  comfort 
the  sorrows  of  sixteen  summers,  but  it  would  not 
do  much  for  the  deep  wounds  of  old  Crying-in-the 
night. 

She  throws  down  her  load  of  wood  and 
leans  her  axe  against  a  tree. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.    You  are  mistaken,  Crying-in- 
the-night,    the    cross    has    a    balm    for    you,    a 
very  special  balm.    I  have  not  thought  enough  of 
[14] 


The  Great  Trail 


your  sorrows.  I  have  known  them  so  long  that  I 
had  grown  used  to  them.  Your  children,  is  it  not? 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  (in  a  dull,  Monotonous 
tone).  Yes,  my  brave  boy,  my  pretty,  gentle  little 
girls.  How  could  any  one  else  know  what  they  were 
to  me?  Swift-wing  and  Laughing-moon  perished 
wiih  the  fever  in  the  long  drought.  My  boy — 
the  whirl-pool,  he  ventured  too  near,  and  his  canoe 
was  sucked  in,  and  I  am  Crying-in-the-night  and 
there  is  no  more  joy  for  me. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Uncheeda,  this  (holding  up 
the  cross)  means  victory,  love's  victory  over  Death. 

Enter  TOWERING-PINE,  unperceived. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  (bitterly).  What  victory 
is  there  over  death?  He  is  the  Black  Chief,  he 
conquers  all. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  No,  Uncheeda,  death  was  con- 
quered by  a  greater  than  he  and  the  Conqueror 
is  the  Saviour  of  men.  Your  little  children  are  not 
dead.  They  are  safe  and  happy  and  waiting  for 
you,  Uncheeda,  in  a  beautiful  place  we  call  Para- 
dise. Death  could  not  hold  them  because  our  Lord 
in  the  might  of  His  holy  love  Himself  went  down 
into  the  grave  and  conquered  death. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  (sadly).  I  do  not  un- 
derstand you.  Did  I  not  see  their  breath  leave  them 
and  pass  out  into  the  air?  Did  I  not  feel  them 
cold  against  my  bosom? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.    Oh,  if  Mother  Church  were 

E15] 


The  Great  Trail 


only  here!    You  could  understand  her  sweet  way 
of  telling  about  life  eternal. 

TOWERING-PINE    has    been    listening    and 
now  comes  forward. 

TOWERING-PINE.  Peace,  Uncheeda,  it  is  the 
weakness  of  a  woman  to  mourn  for  what  is  past 
and  gone.  Men  know  that  they  must  clench  their 
teeth  and  push  on  without  a  sob  or  moan.  But — 
where  to  journey,  what  path  to  take,  this  is  the 
only  question  that  matters.  (Pauses  and  draws  a 
long  whiff  from  his  pipe.}  Once  hunting  too  late 
in  the  autumn  I  was  caught  in  a  snowstorm  and 
nearly  perished  because  the  white  blanket  covered 
up  the  trail.  To  lose  the  trail  is  a  terrible  thing. 
But  who  has  ever  found  the  Great  Trail,  the  way 
of  life  in  which  all  men  should  walk?  I  know  there 
is  a  trail  which  no  one  has  yet  found.  I  know  it 
because  I  feel  it  here  (laying  his  hand  on  his 
breast)  with  a  pain  like  a  great  longing,  with  a 
thrill  like  a  great  hope.  In  the  stillness  of  night, 
alone  upon  the  mountains,  I  have  searched  for  the 
Great  Mystery.  The  stars  are  silent,  the  awful 
winds  of  heaven  sing  songs  I  cannot  understand. 
All  nature  seems  to  know,  but  man  does  not  know 
and  there  is  no  one  to  tell  him.  The  silence  of  the 
ages  is  the  white  blanket  that  covers  his  trail. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  How  is  a  trail  made,  Tower- 
ing-pine ? 

TOWERING-PINE.    A  seven-year  boy  knows  that, 

[16] 


The  Great  Trail 


little  pale- face.  It  is  made  by  the  footsteps  of  those 
who  have  gone  before. 

RED-WOLF.  Then,  my  father,  would  it  not  be 
wisdom  to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  the  mighty 
chiefs  and  heroes  of  our  race?  Would  not  the 
path  they  have  blazed  be  the  Great  Trail? 

TOWERING-PINE.  It  is  the  best  we  know  of,  and 
I  have  followed  it  all  my  life,  and  — I  am  unsatis- 
fied. When  I  awake  before  dawn  and  my  thought 
is  clear  I  know  that  life  is  more  than  hunting  and 
fighting,  and  eating  and  sleeping,  and  holding  coun- 
cils and  playing  games.  There  is  something  that 
we  do  not  know,  but  we  cannot  find  the  trail. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Towering-pine,  my  holy  re- 
ligion shows  us  the  Great  Trail. 

TOWERING-PINE  (incredulous).  And  where  is  it, 
then? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  It  was  made  for  us  by  the 
footsteps  of  our  Lord. 

TOWERING-PINE.    Your  Lord?    Is  he  a  man? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Yes,  He  is  man.  He  became 
man  to  make  the  trail  for  us,  but  he  is  also  God, 
the  Great  Spirit. 

TOWERING-PINE  (with  deep  interest).  Your 
words  are  very  wonderful,  Gentle-flower  (he 
goes  to  her  and  looks  earnestly  in  her  face) .  There 
is  truth  in  your  clear,  deep  eyes.  Tell  us  more,  tell 
us  all  you  know. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Alas,  I  am  only  a  child.  I 
have  been  away  from  Holy  Church  so  long.  Oh, 
[17] 


The  Great  Trail 


if  she  were  only  here !  She  could  answer  all  these 
questions  and  satisfy  all  your  needs. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT.  Each  time  you  come 
back  to  that,  little  one,  who  is  this  Holy  Church 
who  has  food  for  the  hunger  of  all  hearts  ? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  She  is  the  Mother  of  us  all. 
I  know  her  well,  for  I  was  placed  in  her  arms  as 
soon  as  I  was  born.  The  first  thing  that  I  can 
remember  is  her  sweet  smile  and  tender  voice. 

TOWERING-PINE.  And  what  has  this  one  to  do 
with  the  one  you  call  your  Lord? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  She  is  His  minister  on  earth, 
the  instrument  by  which  He  touches  us  and  works 
upon  us.  We  cannot  see  Him  now  because  He  is 
not  discerned  with  such  eyes  as  we  have,  but  we 
can  see  Mother  Church.  We  can  hear  her  voice, 
we  can  feel  her  hands  when  she  lays  them  on  our 
heads,  and  our  Lord  is  always  with  her,  His  Spirit 
dwelling  in  her,  so  that  what  she  does,  He  does, 
and  what  she  teaches  is  indeed  His  teaching. 

TOWERING-PINE.  That  would  mean  much  to  us 
if  she  were  here. 

RED-WOLF.  Oh,  Gentle-flower,  can  you  not  think 
how  we  might  try  to  find  her? 

GENTLE-FLOWER    thinks    earnestly,    then, 
with  sudden  inspiration. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.     Yes,   there   is   a   way.     Our 
Lord  said:  "If  ye  shall  ask  anything  in  my  name, 
[18] 


The  Great  Trail 


I  will  do  it."    But  we  must  ask  in  faith,  we  must 
believe.     (Imploringly.)     Do  you  all  believe? 

There  is  a  brief  silence,  during  which  the 
Indians  are  thinking  deeply. 

RED-WOLF.    I  believe. 

TOWERING-PINE.     I  believe. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT.  I  believe.  (Looks  up 
into  the  sky  and  stretches  out  her  arms.)  Great 
Spirit,  help  my  unbelief ! 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Thank  God!  Now  we  have 
only  to  lift  up  our  hearts  and  speak  to  Him  and 
He  will  hear. 

RED- WOLF  (with  awe).    What  shall  we  say? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  I  can  help  you,  for  now  I 
know  the  desire  of  your  hearts.  Red-wolf,  you 
first.  (She  folds  her  hands  and  bows  her  head, 
and  RED- WOLF  does  the  same.)  O  Lamb  of  God, 
that  takest  away  the  sin  of  the  world, 

RED-WOLF.  O  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away 
the  sin  of  the  world, 

GENTLE-FLOWER.    Have  mercy  upon  us! 

RED- WOLF.     Have  mercy  upon  us! 

GENTLE  -  FLOWER.  Now,  Crying  -  in  -  the  -  night. 
(CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  draws  near  and  bows  her 
head.)  With  pity  behold  the  sorrows  of  our  hearts. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT.  With  pity  behold  the 
sorrows  of  our  hearts. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Now,  Towering-pine,  make 
[19] 


The  Great  Trail 


your  petition.  Send  forth  thy  light  and  thy  truth 
to  lead  us  and  to  guide  us  unto  thy  holy  hill. 

TOWERING-PINE.  Send  forth  thy  light  and  thy 
truth  to  lead  us  and  to  guide  us  unto  thy  holy  hill. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Now  let  us  all  pray  together. 
(The  Indians  bow  their  heads.)  O  Lord,  hear  our 
prayer ! 

THE  INDIANS.     O  Lord,  hear  our  prayer. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  And  let  our  cry  come  unto 
Thee. 

THE  INDIANS.    And  let  our  cry  come  unto  Thee. 

While  they  are  still  in  the  attitude  of 
prayer,  music  is  heard  and  then  voices 
singing 

I  saw  the  Holy  City 

The  new  Jerusalem, 
Come  down  from  heaven,  a  bride  adorned 

With  jewelled  diadem; 

(Enter  MOTHER  CHURCH.  The  singing 
continues.) 

The  flood  of  crystal  waters 
Flowed  down  the  golden  street 

(GENTLE-FLOWER  and  the  Indians  kneel  to 
welcome  her.) 

And  nations  brought  their  honours  there 
And  laid  them  at  her  feet.  Amen. 

They  all  rise.     GENTLE-FLOWER  motions 

to  the  Indians,  they  bring  one  of  their  fine 

[20] 


The  Great  Trail 


rugs  and  spread  it  for  MOTHER  CHURCH. 
They  also  place  a  seat  for  her. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.    Praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  He 
hath  heard  the  voice  of  your  humble  petitions. 
GENTLE-FLOWER.     Thanks  be  to  God. 
THE  INDIANS.    Thanks  be  to  the  Great  Spirit. 

MOTHER  CHURCH  seats  herself,  then  holds 
out  her  arms  to  GENTLE-FLOWER,  who  runs 
and  kneels  at  her  feet. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Like  as  the  hart  desireth  the 
water-brooks,  so  hath  my  soul  longed  after  God. 
My  tears  have  been  my  meat  day  and  night.  I 
said  unto  the  God  of  my  strength,  why  hast  thou 
forgotten  me? 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Ah,  little  one,  the  Lord  is 
mindful  of  His  own.  Fear  not,  for  they  that  go 
on  their  way  weeping  and  bearing  good  seed,  shall 
come  again  with  joy,  bringing  their  sheaves  with 
them.  The  Lord  turned  thy  captivity  what  time 
thou  didst  pray  for  thy  friends,  seeing  thou  didst 
not  keep  back  his  mercy  and  truth  from  the  con- 
gregation, wherefore  He  hath  put  a  new  song  into 
thy  mouth,  even  a  thanksgiving  unto  thy  God. 
Many  shall  see  it  and  fear,  and  shall  put  their 
trust  in  the  Lord. 

She  lays  her  hand  tenderly  on  the  head  of 
GENTLE-FLOWER,  who  then  rises  and  takes 
her  place  with  the  others. 
[21] 


The  Great  Trail 


MOTHER  CHURCH.  My  little  children,  I  come  to 
you  in  the  name  of  your  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  He  sent  me  to  make  you  His  disciples,  to 
baptize  you  in  the  name  of  the  Father  and  of  the 
Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  teach  you  to 
observe  all  things  whatsoever  He  has  commanded. 
I  come  to  you  in  the  sure  confidence  of  a  certain 
hope,  because  He  has  promised  to  be  with  me  to 
the  end  of  the  world.  Since  then  He  so  lovingly 
calls  you,  draw  near  with  faith  and  let  me  show 
you  how  ye  may  walk  worthy  of  this  high  calling, 
and  day  by  day,  and  year  by  year  follow  in  the 
footsteps  of  your  Lord's  most  holy  life.  This  is, 
indeed,  the  Great  Trail  which  you  have  so  earnestly 
desired,  and  which,  by  God's  help,  I  will  now 
show  you. 

They  dl  sing. 

Just  as  I  am,  Thy  love  unknown 
Has  broken  every  barrier  down. 
Now  to  be  Thine,  yea  Thine  alone, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come,  I  come.    Amea. 


[22] 


PART  II 

Same  personae  as  before,  and 
ANTIPHON  (Versicle  and  Response). 
ADVENT  SUNDAY. 

SECOND,  THIRD,  FOURTH  SUNDAYS  IN  ADVENT. 
EMBER  DAYS. 
CHRISTMAS  EVE. 
CHRISTMAS. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION. 
CANDLEMAS. 
EPIPHANY. 

LIGHT  BEARERS  (Sundays  after  Epiphany). 
SEPTUAGESIMA      1 
SEXAGESIMA  \(The  Twilight  Days). 

QUINQUAGESIMA   J 

ASH-WEDNESDAY. 

LENTEN  SUNDAYS. 

ANNUNCIATION. 

TRANSFIGURATION. 

PALM  SUNDAY. 

MAUNDY  THURSDAY 

GOOD  FRIDAY. 

EASTER  EVEN. 

EASTER  DAY. 

GREAT  FORTY  DAYS  (Sundays  after  Easter). 

THE  ROGATION  DAYS. 

ASCENSION  DAY. 

EXPECTATION  SUNDAY. 

WHIT-SUNDAY. 

THE  SAINTS'  DAYS. 

TRINITY  SUNDAY. 

[23] 


The  Great  Trail 


SCENE  AS  BEFORE.  MOTHER  CHURCH  seated,  the 
others  grouped  about  her;  GENTLE-FLOWER  and 
RED-WOLF  to  right,  TOWERING-PINE,  CRYING- 

IN-THE-NIGHT  and  BRAVE-BEAR  to  left. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Learn  first,  my  children,  that 
when  God,  your  Saviour,  took  upon  Him  the  sub- 
stance of  your  flesh  in  the  womb  of  a  pure  Virgin, 
He  did  so,  first  to  present  to  God  the  offering  of 
perfect  human  obedience,  which  man,  by  reason  of 
his  sin,  had  lost  the  power  to  do.  And  then,  having 
taken  upon  Himself  the  sin  of  the  whole  world, 
to  suffer  death  upon  the  Cross,  thereby  making  a 
full,  perfect  and  sufficient  sacrifice,  oblation  and 
satisfaction  for  all  human  sin.  Thus  did  He  offer 
to  God  perfect  righteousness  by  His  obedience,  and 
perfect  penitence  by  His  passion.  But  ye  must 
make  that  obedience  and  penitence  your  own,  else 
how  shall  his  passion  profit  you.  Ye  yourselves 
must  die  unto  sin  and  live  unto  God,  but  this  can 
ye  only  do  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  He  is 
the  Way,  the  one  and  only  Way,  and  therefore 
each  and  every  year  I  call  upon  my  children  to 
follow  in  the  footsteps  of  His  most  holy  life.  This 
is  your  Trail,  the  path  that  shineth  more  and  more 
unto  the  perfect  day.  But,  mark  you,  beloved, 
strait  is  the  gate  of  entrance  and  narrow  the  way 
in  which  ye  must  walk.  The  path  is  sometimes 
rough  and  sometimes  tangled  and  very  steep. 

TOWERING-PINE.  By  this  we  may  know  that  it 
kadeth  to  the  heights. 

[24] 


The  Great  Trail 


MOTHER  CHURCH.  Aye,  verily,  even  to  the 
heavens  where  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  as- 
cended, and  where  ye  may  also  ascend  and  con- 
tinually dwell. 

TOWERING-PINE.  Show  us  but  the  opening  of 
the  trail,  gracious  guide,  and  I  for  one  will  tighten 
my  moccasins  and  set  forth. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Well  spoken,  my  son,  and 
now  may  God  stir  up  your  wills,  that  plenteously 
bringing  forth  the  fruit  of  good  works,  ye  may 
be  plenteously  rewarded.  Come  hither,  my  Anti- 
phon ! 

Enter  the  ANTIPHON,  dressed  as  Heralds. 
They  take  their  places,  VERSICLE  at  the 
extreme  right  of  the  stage  in  front,  and 
RESPONSE  at  the  extreme  left. 

VERSICLE.    The  night  is  far  spent. 

RESPONSE.    The  day  is  at  hand. 

VERSICLE.  Let  us  therefore  cast  off  the  works 
of  darkness. 

RESPONSE.  And  let  us  put  on  the  armour  of 
light. 

VERSICLE.    Come,  and  save  us,  O  Lord  of  Hosts ! 

RESPONSE.  Show  the  light  of  Thy  countenance 
and  we  shall  be  whole. 

Music.  "O  come,  O  come,  Emmanuel"  (plain 
song). 

Enter   the   FOUR    SUNDAYS   OF   ADVENT. 

ADVENT  SUNDAY  bears  the  banner  with  the 

[25] 


The  Great  Trail 


legend  "He  shall  come  again  with  glory!" 
SECOND  SUNDAY  bears  on  a  velvet  cush- 
ion a  Bible. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Advent  Sunday,  proclaim 
thy  message  to  these  catechumens. 

ADVENT  SUNDAY.  Behold  your  King  cometh 
unto  you,  meek  and  lowly  in  heart.  Receive  Him 
now  for  your  Redeemer,  that  ye  may  with  sure 
confidence  behold  Him  when  He  shall  come  to  be 
your  Judge. 

MOTHER  CHURCH  and  GENTLE-FLOWER.  Even 
so  come,  Lord  Jesus! 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Bible  Sunday,  what  bearest 
thou  with  such  tender  reverence? 

SECOND  SUNDAY.  Lady  Mother,  I  bear  with 
reverence  and  love  thine  own  gift  which  thou 
hast  prepared  for  thy  children  to  be  a  lamp  unto 
their  feet  and  a  light  unto  their  path. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  And  what  is  thy  charge  to 
them  concerning  this  gift? 

SECOND  SUNDAY.  I  charge  them  to  read,  mark, 
learn  and  inwardly  digest  these  blessed  Scriptures 
which  thou  hast  been  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
to  write  for  their  learning,  that  so  doing  they  may 
embrace  and  ever  hold  fast  the  blessed  hope  of 
everlasting  life. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Will  you  accept  this  lamp 
for  your  Trail? 

THE  INDIANS.    Aye,  verily. 
[26] 


The  Great  Trail 


GENTLE-FLOWER.  We  will  diligently  search  the 
Scriptures,  because  they  are  they  which  testify  of 
our  Lord. 

THE  INDIANS.    We  will  do  so  faithfully. 

SECOND  SUNDAY.  Only  take  heed  that  ye  lean 
not  to  your  own  understanding,  for  there  are 
some  things  hard  to  be  understood  which  the  un- 
learned and  unstable  wrest  to  their  own  destruc- 
tion. Remember,  therefore,  that  even  as  the 
Church  was  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  write 
these  things  for  your  great  help  and  comfort,  so 
by  the  same  Spirit  is  she  ever  their  true  guardian 
and  interpreter.  Receive  ye  therefore  with  meek- 
ness the  engrafted  word,  and  the  God  of  hope 
shall  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Third  Sunday,  what  is  thy 
message  to  my  children? 

THIRD  SUNDAY.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
at  His  first  coming  did  send  His  messenger  to 
prepare  His  way  before  Him,  after  He  had  made 
perfect  our  redemption  by  His  death  and  was  as- 
cended into  heaven,  sent  abroad  into  the  world  His 
Apostles,  Prophets,  Evangelists,  Doctors  and  Pas- 
tors by  whose  ministry  even  to  the  present  day 
He  gathers  into  the  Church  those  that  are  being 
saved.  It  is,  therefore,  your  part  and  duty  to 
pray  for  all  those  whom  the  Lord  hath  set  over 
you  in  His  Church,  that  He  will  give  them  abun- 
dant grace  to  fulfil  their  ministry  in  innocence 
of  life  and  purity  of  doctrine. 
[27] 


The  Great  Trail 


GENTLE-FLOWER.  Ought  we  to  pray  for  them 
every  day,  Third  Sunday? 

THIRD  SUNDAY.  Your  Lord  loves  to  receive  your 
prayers  for  them  every  day,  for  their  work  is  very 
near  to  His  heart,  but  the  Church  has  also  set 
apart  special  days  for  this  duty.  See,  they  are 
coming  now. 

Enter  the  EMBER  DAYS. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Tell  my  children  who  ye  are 
and  what  is  your  intent. 

FIRST  EMBER  DAY.  We  are  the  Ember  Days. 
We  visit  the  children  of  the  Church  at  the  four 
seasons  of  the  year.  This  is  our  winter  visitation. 

SECOND  EMBER  DAY.  We  call  you  to  due  and 
holy  abstinence  that  your  prayers  being  very  earn- 
est may  find  favour  with  God. 

THIRD  EMBER  DAY.  We  bid  you  pray  for  those 
whom  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  has  in  training  for 
His  work,  and  especially  we  bid  you  pray  for  those 
to  whom  He  has  committed  the  care  of  your  own 
souls. 

MOTHER  CHURCH  (to  the  Indians).  Will  you 
give  faithful  diligence  so  to  do? 

RED-WOLF.  We  will  pray  for  them  from  our 
very  hearts. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  So  shall  ye  add  daily  to  my 
strength. 

TOWERING-PINE.    And  we  will  remember  whose 
authority  they  bear  and  obey  their  teachings. 
[28] 


The  Great  Trail 


MOTHER  CHURCH.  So  shall  ye  add  daily  to  my 
power  to  help  you.  Fourth  Sunday,  deliver  now 
thy  message. 

FOURTH  SUNDAY.  My  message  is  especially  to 
those  who  are  sore  let  and  hindered  in  running  the 
race  that  is  before  them.  Beloved,  strengthen  ye 
the  weak  hands  and  confirm  the  feeble  knees.  Say 
to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart,  Be  strong  and 
fear  not,  your  God  will  come  and  save  you.  There- 
fore, rejoice  in  the  Lord  and  again  I  say  rejoice. 
The  Lord  is  at  hand,  His  bountiful  grace  and 
mercy  will  speedily  help  and  deliver  you.  Only 
remember  this,  that  when  He  comes  again  it  will 
be  as  your  Judge,  therefore  pray  Him  that  He 
will  help  His  servants  whom  He  hath  redeemed 
with  His  most  precious  blood. 

THE  INDIANS  and  GENTLE-FLOWER.  In  the  day 
of  judgment,  good  Lord,  deliver  us! 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Seeing  that  now  ye  have  pre- 
pared your  hearts  to  receive  your  Lord,  let  the 
Antiphon  herald  the  Feast  of  the  Nativity. 

VERSICLE.  O  Wisdom  which  earnest  forth  out 
of  the  mouth  of  the  Most  High, 

RESPONSE.  Come  and  teach  us  the  way  of  pru- 
dence. 

VERSICLE.    O  Adonai,  Lord  of  Lords, 

RESPONSE.  Come  and  redeem  us  with  a  stretched- 
out  arm. 

VERSICLE.    O  Root  of  Jesse, 

RESPONSE.    Come  and  deliver  us  and  tarry  not. 
[29] 


The  Great  Trail 


VERSICLE.  O  Key  of  David  and  Sceptre  of  the 
House  of  Israel, 

RESPONSE.  Come  and  bring  forth  him  that  is 
bound  from  the  house  of  his  prison. 

VERSICLE.  O  Orient  brightness  of  the  Light 
Eternal, 

RESPONSE.  Come  and  lighten  him  that  is  in  dark- 
ness and  in  the  shadow  of  death. 

VERSICLE.  O  Emmanuel,  our  King  and  Law- 
giver, 

RESPONSE.    Come  and  save  us,  O  Lord  our  God. 

Music— "O  little  town  of  Bethlehem." 

Enter  CHRISTMAS  EVE. 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (joyfully).  Welcome,  sweet 
Httle  one,  Thou  art  Christmas,  I  know. 

CHRISTMAS  EVE.  Not  Christmas,  only  Christ- 
mas Eve.  Surely  thou  hast  not  forgotten  me, 
Gentle-flower? 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Ah,  no!  How  could  I,  when 
thou  hast  so  often  brought  joy  to  my  home.  Thy 
starry  eyes  still  have  that  look  of  wonder  that  I 
remember  so  well. 

CHRISTMAS  EVE  (dreamily).  I  think  it  must  be 
because  I  still  see  what  I  saw  that  evening  at 
Bethlehem. 

GENTLE-FLOWER.  Oh,  show  it  to  these  (indi- 
cating the  Indians).  They  have  never  seen  it  be- 
fore. 

CHRISTMAS  EVE.  I  see  the  shepherds  abiding  in 
[30] 


The  Great  Trail 


the  fields.  They  are  kindling  their  fire,  for  it  is 
cold.  Now  they  glance  toward  Jerusalem  as  they 
speak  of  Herod's  cruelty,  but  the  oldest  shepherd 
points  to  David's  city  and  reminds  the  others  that 
the  Christ  shall  one  day  come  and  deliver  them. 

I  see  in  the  gloaming  the  white  dusty  road  lead- 
ing to  Bethlehem.  I  see  Mary  leaning  on  Joseph's 
arm.  Her  sweet  face  is  pale,  she  is  so  weary,  the 
lily  Maid,  but  she  smiles  when  she  sees  the  turrets 
of  Bethlehem  rising  above  the  olive  trees.  She 
says  to  Joseph,  "I  think  it  will  be  to-night." 

I  follow  them  to  the  Inn  at  Bethlehem — ah!  the 
pity  of  it! 

CHRISTMAS  EVE  hides  her  face  in  her 
hands. 

RED-WOLF  to  GENTLE-FLOWER.  Oh,  why  does 
she  do  that? 

CHRISTMAS  EVE.  The  Inn  is  full  of  people. 
There  is  no  room  for  Mary.  There  is  no  room  for 
the  Son  of  God. 

RED-WOLF.  Oh,  how  dreadful!  We  Indians 
would  not  treat  Him  so. 

CHRISTMAS  EVE.  But  Joseph  leads  her  gently 
to  the  stable.  It  is  quiet  here  and  very  clean.  The 
hay  smells  so  sweet,  and  see  how  the  ox  and  ass 
look  at  them  with  their  big,  kindly  eyes !  Joseph 
makes  a  soft  bed  of  the  hay,  and  Blessed  Mary 
lies  down  to  rest.  Now  at  her  bidding  Joseph 
unties  the  bundle  he  has  been  carrying  all  day  on 
[31] 


The  Great  Trail 


the  end  of  his  staff,  and  spreads  out  the  swaddling 
clothes.  (She  pauses,  then  looks  in  another  di- 
rection.) The  shepherds  are  still  seated  around 
their  fire,  while  their  flocks  brouse  near  them. 
Night  has  deepened,  the  shepherds  watch  in  silence. 
They  look,  now  at  their  sheep,  now  at  the  bright 
stars  above  them. 

(A  short  pause.) 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (breathlessly).    And  then ? 

CHRISTMAS  EVE  (smiling).  Then  Christmas 
came. 

Music— "Silent  Night." 

Enter  CHRISTMAS.     Banner,  "The  Word 
was  made  flesh." 

MOTHER  CHURCH  (rising).  Welcome,  glad  birth- 
day of  hope.  Our  hearts  hunger  for  thy  sweet 
Evangel. 

CHRISTMAS.  Behold !  I  bring  you  good  tidings 
of  great  joy  which  shall  be  to  all  people,  for  unto 
you  is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour, 
which  is  Christ  the  Lord.  Mary  hath  brought  forth 
her  first-born  son,  and  ye  shall  find  Him  wrapped 
in  swaddling  clothes,  and  lying  in  a  manger.  Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest  and  on  earth  peace. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  My  children,  is  it  not  meet, 
right,  and  our  bounden  duty  that  we  should  give 
thanks  unto  God  who  gave  His  only  begotten  Son 
to  be  born  as  at  this  time  for  us,  and  that  without 
spot  of  sin,  to  make  us  clean  from  all  sin? 
[32] 


The  Great  Trail 


ALL  (with  one  accord).  Glory  be  to  thee,  O 
Lord,  Most  High.  Amen. 

RED- WOLF  (aside  to  GENTLE-FLOWER,  and  speak- 
ing timidly).  Could  I  be  made  clean  from  all  sin, 
Gentle-flower?  Would  that  be  possible? 

GENTLE-FLOWER  (earnestly).  Verily  and  indeed 
you  may,  Red- wolf.  Have  patience  but  a  little 
longer,  and  our  dear  Mother  will  come  to  your 
need. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Summon  me  now  the  Feast 
of  the  Circumcision. 

VERSICLE.  Thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus.  Alle- 
luia! 

RESPONSE.  For  He  shall  save  His  people  from 
their  sins.  Alleluia! 

Music — "Jesus,  name  of  wondrous  love!' 

Enter  the  FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION. 
Banner,  "Every  knee  shall  bow." 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  And  when  eight 
days  were  accomplished  for  the  circumcising  of 
the  child,  his  name  was  called  Jesus  (every  one  on 
the  stage  kneels),  which  was  so  named  of  the  Angel 
before  he  was  conceived  in  the  womb.  (They 
rise).  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other  name, 
for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven  given 
among  men  whereby  we  must  be  saved.  Therefore 
let  every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ 
depart  from  iniquity. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Seeing  then  that  God  hath 
[33] 


The  Great  Trail 


given  Him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name,  let 
us  with  glowing  hearts  adore  His  Holy  Name. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  Son  of  the 
Living  God, 

ALL  (with  one  accord).    We  adore  Thee. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  King  of 
Glory, 

ALL  (with  one  accord).    We  adore  Thee. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  Son  of  the 
Virgin  Mary, 

ALL  (with  one  accord).    We  adore  Thee. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  our  Good 
Shepherd, 

ALL  (with  one  accord).    We  adore  Thee. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  Friend  of 
Sinners, 

ALL  (with  one  accord).    We  adore  Thee. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  the  Joy  of 
Angels, 

ALL  (with  one  accord).    We  adore  Thee. 

FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION.  Jesu,  Saviour  of 
the  world, 

ALL  (with  one  acord)  sing. 

Glory  be  to  Jesus 
Who  in  bitter  pains 
Poured  for  me  the  life  blood 
From  His  sacred  veins! 
Oft  as  earth  exulting 
Wafts  its  praise  on  high 
Angel  hosts  rejoicing 
Make  their  glad  reply. 

[34] 


The  Great  Trail 


During  the  last  lines  of  the  hymn  the 
FEAST  OF  THE  CIRCUMCISION  withdraws, 
and  the  FEAST  OF  THE  PURIFICATION  OF 
SAINT  MARY  THE  VIRGIN  enters. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Who  is  this  that  cometh  to 
us  bearing  turtle-doves  in  her  arms? 

CANDLEMAS.  I  am  the  happy  day  that  saw  the 
Son  of  God  presented  in  the  temple  in  substance 
of  our  flesh.  I  bear  turtle-doves  because  they  were 
the  humble  offering  of  the  Virgin  Mother.  I  bid 
you,  all  ye  that  love  your  Lord,  to  keep  this  day 
in  honour  of  His  dear  Mother.  "Try  as  ye  may 
to  honour  her  great  name,  ye  can  never  approach 
within  measurable  distance  of  the  honour  God  has 
placed  upon  her.  Greet  her,  therefore,  with  rever- 
ent and  loving  hearts  as  the  'Blessed  among 
women/  "  * 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  And  still  our  path  leads  on 
from  glory  to  glory.  We  come  now  to  the  Feast 
of  Light.f 

VERSICLE.    And  God  said  let  there  be  light, 

RESPONSE.    And  there  was  light. 

Music — "From  the  Eastern  Mountains." 

Enter,  in  procession,  EPIPHANY,  followed 
by  the  other  LIGHT  BEARERS  (SUNDAYS 
AFTER  EPIPHANY).  They  carry  lighted 


*Holden    ("The  Holy  Ghost,   the  Comforter"). 
tin  the  early  Church  the  name  for  Epiphany. 

[35] 


The  Great  Trail 


lanterns  and  a  banner  with  the  legend, 
"Light  of  Lights." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Hail,  Epiphany !  Make  mani- 
fest to  us,  I  pray  thee,  the  joys  and  mysteries  of 
our  salvation. 

EPIPHANY.  We  are  but  broken  lights  from  the 
splendour  of  Him  who  is  the  Light  of  the  World. 
Yet  we  have  each  our  own  pure  ray.  We  have 
seen  His  star  in  the  East.  Lo!  it  stood  over  the 
place  where  the  young  child  was. 

THE  LIGHT  BEARERS.  When  we  saw  the  star 
we  rejoiced  with  exceeding  great  joy. 

EPIPHANY.  We  saw  Gentiles  come  to  His  light 
and  kings  to  the  brightness  of  His  rising. 

THE  LIGHT  BEARERS  (sing). 

Lighten  our  darkness,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee; 
Day-spring  from  on  high,  dispel  Thou  our  night. 

FIRST  LIGHT  BEARER.  We  saw  the  Holy  Child 
subject  to  Joseph  and  Mary  in  the  sweet  home  at 
Nazareth.  We  saw  Him  in  the  temple  learning 
to  be  about  His  Father's  business.  Of  Christian 
children  He  is  indeed  the  pure  and  radiant  light. 

THE  OTHER  LIGHT  BEARERS. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  ; 
Day-spring  from  on  high,  dispel  Thou  our  night. 

SECOND  LIGHT  BEARER.     We  have  seen  Jesus, 
the  welcome  guest  at  the  marriage  in   Cana  erf 
[36] 


The  Great  Trail 


Galilee.     Of  Christian  marriage  He  is  indeed  the 
pure  and  radiant  light. 

THE  OTHER  LIGHT  BEARERS. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee; 
Day-spring  from  on  high,  dispel  Thou  our  night. 

THIRD  LIGHT  BEARER.  We  have  seen  Jesus  as 
He  went  about  doing  good,  how  He  touched  the 
kper,  saying,  "I  will,  be  thou  clean/'  How  he 
spoke  the  word  only  and  the  servant  of  the  good 
Centurion  was  healed.  In  sickness  and  bereave- 
ment, and  in  the  bitter  pains  of  penitence  He  is 
indeed  our  pure  and  radiant  light. 

THE  OTHER  LIGHT  BEARERS. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee; 
Day-spring  from  on  high,  dispel  Thou  our  night. 

FOURTH  LIGHT  BEARER.  In  earlier  days  Holy 
Church  taught  her  children  to  keep  Epiphany,  the 
Day  of  Light,  in  memory  of  our  Lord's  baptism 
when  He  was  manifested  to  the  world  by  the  voice 
that  came  from  heaven,  saying,  "Thou  art  my 
beloved  Son  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased/'  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  in  the  shape  of  a  dove  showed  Him 
to  those  that  stood  by. 

THE  OTHER  LIGHT  BEARERS. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee; 
Day-spring  from  on  high,  dispel  Thou  our  night. 

FIFTH    LIGHT    BEARER.      In   these    days    Holy 
[37] 


The  Great  Trail 


Church  warns  her  children  to  remember  those  who 
still  dwell  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death, 
and  to  beware  that  they  hide  not  their  own  light; 
under  a  bushel. 
THE  OTHER  LIGHT  BEARERS. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee ; 
Day-spring  from  on  high,  dispel  Thou  our  night. 

EPIPHANY. 

Souls  of  men!  once  wrapped  in  shadow, 

Sunk  in  dark,  chaotic  night, 
Over  you  the  spirit  brooded, 
Till  God  said  "Let  there  be  light/' 

Then  upon  your  'primal  darkness 

Rose  the  sun  of  Love  Divine, 
Scattered  mists  of  sin  and  sorrow, 

Bade  you,  too,  arise  and  shine. 

Shine,  then — but  with  light  reflected 
From  the  glorious  central  Sun. 

Shine  into  the  world's  dark  corners, 
Shine  out,  Christians,  every  one. 

Let  your  light  so  shine,  my  children, 
That  all  men  your  works  may  see, 

And  may  glorify  your  Father 
Unto  whom  all  glory  be.* 

The  LIGHT  BEARERS  withdraw. 


*  From  the  "Rainbow  Hymn."    Elizabeth  M.  Jefferys. 
[38] 


The  Great  Trail 


MOTHER  CHURCH.  Ye  have  travelled  through 
joyful  days,  my  children,  since  the  Gloria  in  Ex- 
celsis  broke  upon  Advent's  warning  voice,  and  our 
holy  way  has  been  full  of  light  and  peace  and  ex- 
ceeding sweetness,  but  now  our  Trail  leaves  the 
sunlight,  and  descending  through  the  Valley  of 
Humiliation,  passes  out  into  a  vast  and  sombre 
desert.  Thither  our  Lord  was  led  by  the  Spirit 
after  He  was  baptized  in  the  river  Jordan.  Are 
ye  willing  now  to  follow  Him  into  the  Wilderness? 

TOWERING- PINE  (thoughtfully).  I  would  not 
leave  the  trail  because  it  was  rocky,  or  lonely  or 
even  dark,  but,  great  Mother,  before  I  plunge  from 
dazzling  sunlight  into  a  place  of  heavy  shadows,  I 
like  to  pause  until  my  eyes  have  grown  accustomed 
to  the  change. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  For  that  I  commend  thy 
wisdom,  and  even  so  would  I  lead  you  slowly  and 
by  degrees  into  the  shadows  of  Lent.  (To  the 
ANTIPHON.)  Summon  me  now  my  Twilight  Days. 

VERSICLE.  Come,  my  people,  enter  thou  into 
thy  chambers, 

RESPONSE.    And  shut  thy  doors  about  thee. 

VERSICLE.  Let  us  go  three  days'  journey  into 
the  wilderness, 

RESPONSE.  That  we  may  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord 
our  God. 

Soft  Music — "Allelulia,  song  of  gladness.9' 

Enter  the  TWILIGHT  DAYS,  robed  in  soft 

grey. 

[39] 


The  Great  Trail 


MOTHER  CHURCH.  Septuagesima,  Sexagesima, 
and  Quinquagesima,  what  ministry  have  I  commit- 
ted into  your  hands  ? 

SEPTUAGESIMA.  To  draw  thy  children  apart 
from  the  world,  from  its  mirth  and  noise  and  from 
its  sordid  cares. 

SEXAGESIMA.  To  help  thy  children  make  wise 
and  careful  plans  for  their  great  Retreat. 

QUINQUAGESIMA.  To  purge  them  from  the  least 
thought  of  envy,  hatred  and  malice,  and  to  pour 
into  their  hearts  that  most  excellent  gift  of  charity, 
that  their  fasting  may  be  without  pride  or  com- 
placency and  that  their  penitence  may  be  transfused 
into  love. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  My  children,  see  that  ye  make 
good  use  of  these  quiet  Twilight  Days,  and  above 
all  hearken  to  what  Love  Sunday  shall  teach  you, 
that  ye  may  enter  into  Lent  having  fervent  charity 
among  yourselves. 

TOWERING-PINE.  With  due  care  and  reverence 
will  we  observe  their  feaching. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Summon  me,  Ash-Wednes- 
day. 

VERSICLE.     Behold  now  is  the  accepted  time. 

RESPONSE.     Behold,  now  is  the  day  of  salvation. 

VERSICLE  :  Turn  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  deliver  my 
soul. 

RESPONSE.     O  save  me  for  Thy  mercy's  sake. 

Music — "Forty  days  and  forty  nights." 
[40] 


The  Great  Trail 


Enter  ASH-WEDNESDAY  in  the  garments 
of  penitence,  followed  by  the  FIVE  WEEKS 
OF  LENT. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Ash-Wednesday,  thou  who 
sparest  none  that  thou  mayst  help  all,  what  is  thy 
message  to  my  faithful  children? 

ASH-WEDNESDAY.  My  message  to  the  faithful 
is  that  they  humble  themselves  before  God,  remem- 
bering their  past  sins,  and  that  call;ng  to  mind  the 
words  of  the  Lord  Jesus  how  He  said,  "He  that 
is  washed  needeth  not  save  to  wash  his  feet,"  they 
examine  their  lives  and  conversations  by  the  rule 
of  God's  commandments  and  whereinsoever  they 
shall  have  perceived  themselves  to  have  offended 
either  by  will,  word  or  deed,  there  to  bewail  their 
own  sinfulness  and  to  confess  themselves  to 
Almighty  God  with  full  purpose  of  amendment  of 
life. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  And  what  is  thy  mission  to 
those  who  have  fallen  from  their  first  love  and  have 
become  lukewarm,  and  to  those  who  have  once 
known  God  and  have  returned  to  their  sins? 

ASH-WEDNESDAY.  To  deliver  to  them  this  mes- 
sage from  God: — Return,  ye  backsliding  children, 
and  I  will  heal  your  backslidings,  I  will  not  cause 
mine  anger  to  fall  upon  you,  for  I  am  merciful, 
saith  the  Lord,  only  acknowledge  thine  iniquity 
that  thou  hast  transgressed  against  the  Lord  thy 
God. 

[41] 


The  Great  Trail 


MOTHER  CHURCH.  Hast  thou  a  message  to  those 
who  are  still  bound  with  the  chain  of  their  sins  ? 

ASH-WEDNESDAY.  Aye,  verily,  a  message  from 
the  very  heart  of  God's  love.  If  any  man  sin  we 
have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ 
the  Righteous,  and  He  is  the  propitiation  for  our 
sins,  for  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners,  and  him  that  cometh  to  Jesus,  He  will 
in  no  wise  cast  out. 

RED-WOLF  runs  forward. 

RED-WOLF.  Then  would  I  come  to  Him,  Ash- 
Wednesday,  for  I  have  sinned  and  the  burden  is 
intolerable. 

ASH-WEDNESDAY.  Hast  thou  confessed  thy  sin 
to  God? 

RED-WOLF.     Alas,  I  do  not  know  how. 

ASH-WEDNESDAY.  Then  go  to  thy  Mother,  and 
open  to  her  thy  grief.  (Points  to  MOTHER 
CHURCH.) 

RED-WOLF  goes  to  her  and  kneels  at  her 
feet. 

RED-WOLF.  Help  me,  my  Mother,  for  I  cannot 
help  myself. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  How  hast  thou  sinned,  my 
child? 

RED-WOLF.  I  cheated  that  I  might  win  the  race. 
I  was  afraid  that  Brave-bear  might  out-run  me.  I 
could  not  endure  the  thought,  so  the  night  before 
[42] 


The  Great  Trail 


the  race,  when  all  were  asleep,  I  crept  out  to  the 
course  and  fastened  across  it  the  tough  root  of  a 
tree.  When  we  came  to  it  in  running,  I  leapt  over 
it,  but  he  caught  his  foot  and  fell. 

BRAVE-BEAR.     You  false  coward! 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Hush,  Brave-bear,  he  is 
speaking  to  me.  Is  that  all,  Red- wolf  ? 

RED-WOLF.  I  accepted  the  prize,  which  was  a 
beautiful  pony,  and  I  accepted  the  name  of  honour, 
First-in-the-race,  with  its  privileges  in  the  Tribe. 

BRAVE-BEAR.  But  you  did  not  enjoy  either,  you 
cur. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Thou  must  henceforth  be 
very  watchful  against  pride,  my  child,  and  thou 
must  ask  forgiveness  of  Brave-bear  for  the  wrong 
thou  hast  done  him.  Moreover,  thou  must  give  up 
both  the  prize  thou  hast  won  by  fraud  and  the 
name  of  honour. 

RED-WOLF.     All  this  will  I  do,  my  Mother. 

MOTHER  CHURCH  (rises  and  lays  her  hand  on 
his  head).  If  we  confess  our  sins  God  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins  and  to  cleanse  us 
from  all  unrighteousness,  therefore,  be  of  good 
cheer,  thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee. 

The  burden  falls  from  RED-WOLF'S  back. 
He  rises. 

RED- WOLF   (joyfully).     Praise  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me  praise  His  Holy 
[43] 


The    Great   Trail 


Name.     Who  forgiveth  all  thy  sin  and  healeth  all 
thine  infirmity. 

He  runs  off  the  stage  and  returns  with  his 
saddle  and  bridle,  then  going  to  TOWER- 
ING-PINE, and  taking  the  eagle's  feather 
from  his  head,  he  gives  it  to  TOWERING- 
PINE. 

RED-WOLF.  My  Father,  I  return  to  you  as  head 
of  our  Tribe  the  eagle's  feather  I  won  by  so  shame- 
ful a  trick,  and  with  it  I  lay  aside  the  name  of 
honour.  And  I  restore  the  saddle  and  bridle  of 
the  pony  which  never  should  have  been  mine.  It 
is  tethered  down  by  the  river. 

TOWERING-PINE.  There  is  more  than  one  kind  of 
courage  my  son,  and  the  courage  that  you  have 
shown  today  is  not  unworthy  of  an  Indian  boy. 

RED-WOLF  goes  to  BRAVE-BEAR. 
RED- WOLF.     Can  you  forgive  me,  Brave-bear? 
BRAVE-BEAR.    Never. 
RED-WOLF.    I  do  entreat  you. 
BRAVE-BEAR.     You  have  been  a   rattlesnake  to 
me.    I  will  be  a  hornet  to  you. 

RED-WOLF.  I  deserve  your  anger  but,  Brave- 
bear,  I  do  so  long  for  your  forgiveness. 

BRAVE- BEAR  shakes  his  head  and  turns 
away. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Ash-Wednesday,  I  commend 
to  thy  ministry  this  poor  child  who  is  minded 
to  be  a  hornet.  (Looking  around  on  the  Indians.) 
Are  there  no  others  who  are  grieved  and  wearied 
with  the  burden  of  their  sins? 

TOWERING-PINE  (thoughtfully).     Great  Mother, 
[44] 


The  Great  Trail 


I  have  no  burden.  I  have  always  tried  to  do  what 
is  right. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT.  I  have  only  one  sor- 
row, I  weep  for  my  children.  Nothing  else  mat- 
ters to  me.  I  have  no  other  burden. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Ash-Wednesday,  hast  thou 
a  word  for  these? 

ASH-WEDNESDAY.  If  we  say  that  we  have  no 
sin  we  deceive  ourselves  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 
It  is  when  we  come  to  the  light  that  our  deeds 
are  reproved,  therefore  I  counsel  thee,  Towering- 
pine,  to  draw  near  to  the  fountain  of  light  and  to 
pray,  Try  me,  O  God,  and  seek  the  ground  of 
my  heart,  prove  me  and  examine  my  thoughts, 
look  well  if  there  be  any  way  of  wickedness  in 
me.  (To  CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT.)  As  for  thee, 
sorrowing  one,  thou  art  in  safe  keeping  and  shalt 
yet  say,  "It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  in 
trouble  that  I  may  learn  thy  statutes." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Let  the  Days  of  Lent  now 
deliver  their  message. 

FIRST  SUNDAY.  Behold  your  Lord  who  for 
your  sakes  did  fast  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 
With  how  great  care  should  ye  be  faithful  to  use 
such  abstinence  that  your  flesh  may  be  subdued  to 
your  spirit,  for  to  be  carnally  minded  is  death,  but 
to  be  spiritually  minded  is  life  and  peace. 

SECOND  SUNDAY.  Behold  your  Lord  tempted  of 
Satan,  tempted  in  all  points  like  as  ye  are,  but 
without  sin.  Learn  therefore  of  Him  how  to  re- 


The  Great  Trail 


sist  the  Devil  that  he  may  flee  from  you.  Gird 
you  as  He  did  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  which 
is  the  word  of  God. 

THIRD  SUNDAY.  But  the  Christian  life  is  not 
only  a  struggle  with  sin,  ye  must  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  the  Spirit  and  walk  as  children  of  light, 
proving  what  is  acceptable  to  God. 

FOURTH  SUNDAY.  No  one  can  keep  a  perfect 
Lent  unless  he  also  remembers  the  words  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  how  He  said,  "It  is  more  blessed  to 
give  than  to  receive."  Therefore  if  thou  hast 
much  give  plenteously,  if  thou  hast  little,  do  thy 
diligence  gladly  to  give  of  that  little.  Ye  shall 
not  appear  before  the  Lord  empty. 

FIFTH  SUNDAY.  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever 
things  are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest, 
whatsoever  things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are 
pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatsoever 
things  are  of  good  report,  if  there  be  any  virtue 
and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things, 
so  shall  ye  keep  a  holy  Lent  and  advance  in  the 
way  of  life. 

ASH-WEDNESDAY    and    LENT    withdraw 
into  the  background. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Before  the  shadows  deepen 
I  will  refresh  you  by  letting  you  see  two  sweet 
and  happy  days.  Summon  me  the  Day  when  lilies 
blow. 

[46] 


The  Great  Trail 


VERSICLE.  Behold  a  Virgin  shall  conceive  and 
bear  a  son.  Alleluia! 

RESPONSE.  And  shall  call  his  name  Immanuel. 
Alleluia ! 

Music — "Ave  Maria"  Gounod. 

Enter  the  ANNUNCIATION. 

THE  ANNUNCIATION.  The  Angel  said  unto 
Mary :  "Hail,  thou  that  are  highly  favored,  Blessed 
art  thou  among  women."  And  Mary  said,  "Be- 
hold the  hand-maid  of  the  Lord."  And  the  Word 
was  made  flesh  and  dwelt  among  us  and  we  beheld 
His  glory.  Now,  therefore,  dear  pilgrims  to  Cal- 
vary, may  God  grant  you  that  as  ye  have  known 
the  Incarnation  of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ  by  the 
message  of  an  Angel,  so  by  His  cross  and  passion 
ye  may  be  brought  into  the  glory  of  His  resurrection. 

ALL  WITH  ONE  ACCORD.  By  the  mystery  of  Thy 
holy  incarnation,  good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

The  ANNUNCIATION  withdraws. 

VERSICLE.     And  we  beheld  His  glory.    Alleluia! 
RESPONSE.     The  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of 
the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth.     Alleluia! 
Music — "Jerusalem  the  Golden" 

Enter  the  TRANSFIGURATION. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.     Sweet  Feast  of  the  Trans- 
figuration, I  have  called  thee  from  the  sunny  fields 
of  August,  that  thou  mightest  tell  us  at  this  time 
what  happened  on  the  Holy  Mount  before  our 
[47] 


The  Great  Trail 


Lord  set  His  face  to  go  to  Jerusalem,  that  He 
might  there  by  His  cross  and  precious  blood  redeem 
the  world. 

TRANSFIGURATION.  Know  then,  dear  pilgrims 
to  Calvary,  that  after  the  Apostles  through  the 
mouth  of  Peter  had  confessed  Jesus  as  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  the  Living  God,  the  Lord  took  with 
Him  Peter,  James  and  John  that  they  might  be 
eye  witnesses  for  us  of  His  majesty.  And  He 
was  transfigured  before  them  in  raiment  white  and 
glistering.  Therefore,  little  flock,  let  not  your 
hearts  be  troubled,  for  though  in  the  world  ye  shall 
have  tribulation,  yet  be  of  good  cheer,  your  Lord 
hath  overcome  the  world,  and  will  surely  deliver 
you  from  its  disquietude,  if  only  ye  abide  in  Him. 

TRANSFIGURATION  withdraws. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  With  this  sweet  promise  in 
our  hearts,  let  us  now  press  on  to  the  foot  of  the 
Cross. 

VERSICLES.  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

RESPONSE.  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David.  Ho- 
sanna  in  the  highest. 

Music — "Ride  on,  ride  on,  in  majesty." 

Enter  PALM  SUNDAY. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Palm  Sunday,  we  await  thy 
message  with  love  too  deep  for  words. 

PALM  SUNDAY.    Yes,  but  ye  love  God  because 
[48] 


The  Great  Trail 


He  first  loved  you,  and  in  His  tender  love  did  send 
His  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  take  upon 
Him  our  flesh  and  to  suffer  death  upon  the  Cross. 
See,  then,  that  abandoning  every  other  thought  and 
desire,  ye  do  this  Holy  Week  follow  in  the  foot- 
steps of  His  humility  that  when  Easter  comes  to 
you,  ye  may  indeed  be  partakers  of  His  resurrec- 
tion life.  (She  pauses  a  moment  then  adds  with 
deep  earnestness:}  Behold  your  King  cometh  to 
you,  meek  and  lowly,  and  sitting  upon  an  ass  and 
a  colt  the  foal  of  an  ass. 

PALM  SUNDAY  withdraws. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Let  Maundy  Thursday  now 
come  to  us. 

VERSICLE.  Thou  didst  give  them  Bread  from 
heaven. 

RESPONSE.    Having  in  Itself  every  delight. 

VERSICLE.  O  taste  and  see  how  gracious  the 
Lord  is. 

RESPONSE.    Alleluia !     Alleluia !     Alleluia ! 

M usic— "O  Saving  Victim!' 

Enter  MAUNDY  THURSDAY.  She  is  dressed 
in  pure  white  and  bears  a  chalice  from 
which  light  streams. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  O  Sacred  Day  whereon 
Christ  left  us  a  Memorial  of  His  Passion  and  a 
pledge  of  eternal  Glory,  teach  now  my  children  to 
venerate  the  sacred  mysteries  of  His  Body  and 

Blood. 

[49] 


The    Great   Trail 


MAUNDY  THURSDAY.  In  the  night  in  which  your 
Saviour  was  betrayed  he  took  Bread;  and  when 
he  had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to 
his  disciples,  saying,  Take,  eat,  this  is  my  Body, 
which  is  given  for  you;  Do  this  in  remembrance 
of  me.  Likewise,  after  supper,  he  took  the  Cup ; 
and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  gave  it  to  them, 
saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  this;  for  this  is  my  Blood 
of  the  New  Testament,  which  is  shed  for  you,  and 
for  many,  for  the  remission  of  sins;  Do  this,  as 
oft  as  ye  shall  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me. 

All  join  with  her  in  singing. 

O  Saving  Victim,  opening  wide 

The  gate  of  heaven  to  man  below, 
Our  foes  press  on  from  every  side, 

Thine  aid  supply,  Thy  strength  bestow.    Amen. 

MAUNDY  THURSDAY  steps  aside. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Behold  now  the  day  on 
which  was  wrought  our  salvation. 

She  rises  and  removes  her  crown,  the 
ANTIPHON  brings  her  a  black  veil  which 
she  puts  over  her  head. 

VERSICLE.    Lord,  have  mercy ! 

RESPONSE.    Christ,  have  mercy ! 

Music — "O  come  and  mourn  with  me  awhile" 

Every  one  kneels. 

Enter  GOOD  FRIDAY,  swathed  in  black. 
She  carries  a  veiled  cross.    A  banner  is 
borne  before  her,  "Jesu,  Mercy!" 
GOOD   FRIDAY.     Jesus   said:     "Father,    forgive 
them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

[50] 


The    Great   Trail 


THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Jesus  said:  "To-day  shalt  thou 
be  with  me  in  Paradise." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  He  saith  unto  His  Mother,  "Wom- 
an, behold  thy  son."  Then  saith  He  to  the  disciple, 
"Behold  thy  Mother." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Jesus  said:  "My  God,  My  God, 
why  hast  Thou  forsaken  me  ?" 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.    Jesus  said :    "I  thirst." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  ^Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.    Jesus  said :  "It  is  finished." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  Thy  Cross  and 
precious  Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Jesus  said:  "Father,  into  Thy 
hands  I  commend  my  Spirit." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  We  adore  Thee,  O  Christ, 
and  we  bless  Thee. 

[51] 


The  Great  Trail 


THE  OTHERS.  Because  by  Thy  Cross  and  pre- 
cious Blood  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world. 

They  all  rise. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  There  is  a  special  blessing  for  ali 
who  kneel  before  the  Cross  on  Good  Friday. 

RED-WOLF  presses  forward  eagerly  and 
kneels  at  her  feet.  GOOD  FRIDAY  lays  her 
hand  on  his  head. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Blessed  is  he  whose  unrighteous- 
ness is  forgiven  and  whose  sin  is  covered. 

RED-WOLF  rises  and  returns  to  his  place. 
GENTLE-FLOWER  comes  forward  and 
kneels.  GOOD  FRIDAY  lays  her  hand  on 
GENTLE-FLOWER'S  head. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for 
they  shall  see  God. 

GENTLE-FLOWER  returns  to  her  place  and 
CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  conies  forward  and 
kneels. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for 
they  shall  be  comforted. 

UNCHEEDA  returns  to  her  place  and 
TOWERING-PINE  comes  forward  and 
kneels. 

TOWERING-PINE.  My  sins  have  taken  such  hold 
upon  me  that  I  am  not  able  to  look  up,  but  I  hum- 
bly crave  thy  blessing. 

[52] 


The  Great  Trail 


GOOD  FRIDAY.  Blessed  are  they  that  hunger  and 
thirst  after  righteousness,  for  they  shall  be  filled. 

TOWERING-PINE  returns  to  his  place. 
BRAVE-BEAR  goes  to  RED-WOLF. 

BRAVE-BEAR.  Red- wolf,  I  forgive  thee  from  my 
very  heart,  and  I  entreat  thy  forgiveness  for  my 
wicked  hardness  to  thee. 

They  embrace.    BRAVE-BEAR  kneels  before 
GOOD  FRIDAY. 

GOOD  FRIDAY.  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for 
theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

BRAVE-BEAR  returns  to  his  place. 
ALL  (with  one  accord  sing)  : 

O  love  of  God !    O  sin  of  man ! 

In  this  dread  act  your  strength  is  tried; 

And  victory  remains  with  love 

For  Thou,  our  Lord,  art  crucified.    Amen. 

GOOD  FRIDAY  withdraws. 

VERSICLE.  There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to 
the  people  of  God. 

RESPONSE.  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the 
Lord,  for  they  rest  from  their  labours. 

Music— "O  Paradise." 

Enter  EASTER  EVEN. 

EASTER  EVEN.     Sweet  is  the  calm  of  Paradise, 
the  blest,  for  so  giveth  He  His  beloved  sleep.    Fear 
[53] 


The  Great  Trail 


ye  not  to  enter  through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death, 
for  your  Saviour  Christ  descended  into  the  place 
of  departed  spirits,  and  by  His  merits  Who  died 
and  was  buried  shall  ye  also  thus  pass  to  your  joy- 
ful resurrection. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  I  heard  a  voice  from  Heaven 
saying,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord. 
Eternal  rest  grant  unto  them,  O  Lord. 

ALL  (with  one  accord).  And  let  perpetual  light 
shine  upon  them. 

EASTER  EVEN  withdraws. 

MOTHER  CHURCH  replaces  her  diadem. 

Music — The  three  Alleluias  from  "The  strife  is 
o'er!9 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  He  liveth  unto  God.  Alle- 
luia! 

VERSICLE.  Open  me  the  gates  of  righteousness. 
Alleluia! 

RESPONSE.  That  I  may  go  in  unto  them  and 
give  thanks  unto  the  Lord.  Alleluia ! 

Music — t(The  strife  is  o'er." 

Enter,  in  procession,  EASTER,  followed  by 
the  GREAT  FORTY  DAYS. 
(These  are  represented  by  the  Six  SUN- 
DAYS AFTER  EASTER  who  carry  baskets  of 
flowers  which  they  strew  about  them. 
Easter  Day  carries  a  banner  "Alleluia") 

EASTER  DAY.    The  Lord  is.  risen  1 
[54] 


The  Great  Trail 


ALL  (with  one  accord).  He  is  risen,  indeed.  Al- 
leluia ! 

EASTER  DAY.  Christ  is  risen  from  the  dead  and 
bears  in  His  pierced  hands  the  keys  of  death  and 
hell.  Lift  up  your  eyes,  look  and  see  Him  standing 
on  the  everlasting  shores  of  peace!  (She  points  as 
she  says  this  and  they  all  look  up.) 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  O  death,  where  is  now  thy 
sting ! 

THE  OTHERS.     O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory! 

EASTER  DAY.  Let  us  praise  Him  who  is  the  Res- 
urrection and  the  Life.  Jesu,  our  Paschal  Lamb, 

THE  OTHERS.     We  adore  thee. 

EASTER  DAY.  Jesu,  the  first  fruits  of  them  that 
slept,  over  whom  death  hath  no  more  dominion. 

THE  OTHERS.     We  adore  thee. 

EASTER  DAY.  Jesu,  who  broughtest  life  and  im- 
mortality to  light. 

THE  OTHERS.     We  adore  thee. 

EASTER  DAY.  Jesu,  Who  by  Thy  death  hast  de- 
stroyed death,  and  by  Thy  rising  to  life  again  hast 
restored  to  us  everlasting  life. 

THE  OTHERS.    We  adore  Thee. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT,  who  has  been  list- 
ening with  eagerness,  now  steps  out  from 
the  others. 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  (to  EASTER  DAY).     Tel 
me,   Thou   blessed  one — do   not   deceive   me,   teM 
me  the  very  truth,  do  the  dead  live  again? 
[55] 


The  Great  Trail 


EASTER  DAY.  As  God  liveth,  they  do.  Hear  the 
words  of  thine  own  dear  Lord,  spoken,  sad  heart,  to 
thee,  "Because  I  live,  ye  shall  live  also." 

CRYING-IN-THE-NIGHT  falls  on  her  knees, 
and  buries  her  face  in  her  hands,  weeping 
in  her  passionate  joy. 

MOTHER  CHURCH  (comes  forward  and  speaks  to 
the  audience).  Is  this  nothing  to  you?  Ye  have 
seen  her  sorrow  under  the  malignant  tyranny  of 
death,  ye  see  her  joy  in  the  sweet  comfort  of  the 
Easter  message.  Is  this  nothing  to  you?  In  your 
bereavements  how  tenderly  are  ye  enfolded  in  the 
arms  of  the  Church,  how  strong  and  sweet  are  the 
words  she  whispers  to  your  stricken  hearts.  The 
blessed  evangel  of  the  Resurrection  is  yours,  to  keep 
for  yourselves  or  to  give  to  the  suffering  pagan 
world.  I  ask  you,  my  children,  in  the  name  of  your 
risen  Lord,  in  the  name  of  your  blessed  dead 
who  are  alive  in  Him,  WHICH  will  ye  do  ? 

THE  GREAT  FORTY  DAYS,  assisted  by  the 
others,  sing: 

O  Easter  Day,  O  Easter  Day, 

To  hearts  bereaved  how  dear! 
Thy  joyful  lays  to  Jesus'  praise 

Bring  Paradise  so  near. 
Our  blessed  dead  are  there 
And  we  are  on  our  way, 
Rejoice,  Rejoice,  Rejoice, 
The  Lord  is  risen  to-day!    Amen, 
[56] 


The  Great  Trail 


EASTER    and   THE    GREAT   FORTY   DAYS 

withdraw.) 

VERSICLE.     O  Thou  that  hearest  prayer. 
RESPONSE.     Unto  Thee  shall  all  flesh  come. 
Music — "Saviour  when  in  dust  to  Thee!' 

Enter    the    ROGATION    DAYS.      Banner, 

"Pray  without  ceasing" 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Who  are  these  that  come  to 
us  so  gravely  as  the  Great  Forty  Days  take  their 
flight? 

FIRST  ROGATION  DAY.  We  are  the  Rogation 
Days. 

SECOND  ROGATION  DAY.  We  bid  you  in  the 
sweet  spring-time  pray  to  the  Father  of  Heaven 
for  His  blessings  on  the  crops. 

THIRD  ROGATION  DAY.  We  bid  you  purify  again 
your  hearts  and  make  them  ready  for  the  Holy 
Feasts  of  Ascension  and  Pentecost. 

FIRST  ROGATION  DAY.  May  the  Lord  Almighty 
mercifully  receive  your  devotion,  and  bestow  upon 
you  the  gifts  of  His  blessing.  Amen. 

SECOND  ROGATION  DAY.  May  He  forgive  you 
all  the  evils  you  have  done  and  grant  you  His  par- 
don. Amen. 

THIRD  ROGATION  DAY.  May  He  so  accept  your 
fasting  and  prayers  as  to  turn  away  from  you  all 
the  evils  you  deserve,  and  may  He  pour  down  upon 
you  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen.* 

*From  "The  Treasury"  (Slightly  modified) 
[57] 


The  Great  Trail 


The  ROGATION  DAYS  withdraw. 

VERSICLE.  God  is  gone  up  with  a  merry  noise 
and  the  Lord  with  the  sound  of  the  trump. 

RESPONSE.    Halleluia ! 

VERSICLE.  O  sing  praises,  sing  praises  unto  our 
God. 

RESPONSE.  O  sing  praises,  sing  praises  unto  our 
King. 

Music — "Lift  up  your  Heads"  Handel. 

Enter  ASCENSION  DAY.    Banner  "Whose 
Kingdom  shall  have  no  end" 

ASCENSION  DAY.  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye 
gates,  and  be  ye  lift  up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  and 
the  King  of  Glory  shall  come  in. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.     Who  is  the  King  of  Glory? 

ASCENSION  DAY.  It  is  the  Lord,  strong  and 
mighty,  even  the  Lord  mighty  in  battle.  Lift  up 
your  heads,  O  ye  gates,  and  be  ye  lift  up,  ye  ever- 
lasting doors,  and  the  King  of  Glory  shall  come  in. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.    Who  is  the  King  of  Glory? 

ASCENSION  DAY.  Even  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  He 
is  the  King  of  Glory. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Is  it  not  meet,  right  and  our 
bounden  duty  that  we  should  give  thanks  unto  our 
Lord  Who  ascended  into  Heaven  to  prepare  a  place 
for  us  that  where  He  is,  thither  we  might  also 
ascend  and  reign  with  Him  in  Glory? 

ALL  (with  one  accord.)  Glory  be  to  Thee,  O  Lord 
most  high! 

[58] 


The  Great  Trail 


ASCENSION  DAY  withdraws. 
VERSICLE.     I  will  pray  the  Father  and  He  shall 
give  you  another   Comforter  which  is  the   Holy 
Ghost. 

RESPONSE.    Thanks  be  to  God! 
Music — "Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove." 

Enter  EXPECTATION  SUNDAY. 
MOTHER   CHURCH.     Expectation    Sunday,   what 
hast  thou  to  say  to  the  faithful? 

EXPECTATION  SUNDAY.  I  bid  all  faithful  hearts 
to  join  their  prayers  during  this  week  of  waiting, 
to  those  of  our  Ascended  Lord,  that  God  will  not 
leave  us  comfortless,  but  that  He  will  send  to  us 
the  Holy  Ghost,  to  comfort  us  and  to  exalt  us  unto 
the  same  place  whither  our  Saviour  Christ  is  gone 
before.  Ask  and  ye  shall  receive,  for  your  heavenly 
Father  will  never  fail  to  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  Him. 

EXPECTATION  SUNDAY  withdraws  into  the 
background. 

VERSICLE.  When  thou  lettest  Thy  breath  go 
forth  they  shall  be  made.  Alleluia! 

RESPONSE.  And  Thou  shalt  renew  the  face  of 
the  earth.  Alleluia! 

Music — "Our  Blest  Redeemer,  ere  He  breathed." 
Enter  WHIT-SUNDAY.    Banner,  "Behold  I 
send    the   promise    of   My   Father   upon 
you." 

MOTHER  CHURCH.    I  welcome  thee,  glad  Day  of 
[59] 


The  Great  Trail 


my  birth.     I  entreat  thee  to  tell  my  children  how 
with  the  Breath  of  God  I  came  into  being. 

WHIT-SUNDAY.  When,  in  the  fulness  of  time, 
I  came  to  where  the  disciples  were  gathered  to- 
gether in  that  sacred  upper  room,  suddenly  there 
came  a  sound  from  heaven  as  of  a  rushing,  mighty 
wind,  and  it  filled  all  the  house  where  they  were 
sitting.  And  there  appeared  unto  them  cloven 
tongues,  like  as  of  fire,  and  it  sat  upon  each  of 
them.  And  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Thus  was  fulfilled  the  promise  of  Him  who  is 
the  Head  over  all  things  to  the  Church.  And, 
having  tarried  in  Jerusalem  until  she  was  endued 
with  power  from  on  high,  the  Church  was  not  dis- 
obedient unto  her  Lord's  command,  that  repentance 
and  remission  of  sins  should  be  preached  in  His 
name  among  all  nations. 

MOTHER  CHURCH.  Yea,  I  have  obeyed  His 
commands,  but,  alas,  tliere  is  still  so  much  to  do! 
Did  He  not  say,  "Go  ye  forth  into  all  the  world, 
and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature."  I  am 
sore  let  and  hindered  by  the  cold  selfishness  and 
deadly  indifference  of  many  who  profess  and  call 
themselves  Christians.  Oh,  my  children,  can  ye 
not  see  that  your  Lord  is  only  waiting  for  you  to 
catch  fire  from  the  Whit-Sunday  flame,  that  you 
may  have  the  joy  of  helping  Him  to  bring  in  that 
day  to  which  all  creation  moves,  when  the  earth 
shall  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea. 

[60] 


The  Great  Trail 


Very  soft  music — "Ten  Thousand  Times  Ten 
Thousand!' 

But  hark, — I  hear  the  Saints'  Days  drawing  near. 
They  come  I  ween  to  meet  Trinity  Sunday,  that 
they  may  join  with  us  in  praising  God.  Aye,  and 
their  coming  comforts  me  with  sweet  memories  of 
my  brave  and  faithful  children  who  have  come  out 
of  great  tribulation  and  have  washed  their  robes 
and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  . , 

The  music  grows  louder. 
Enter,    in    procession,    the    HOLY    DAYS. 
Banners:  "The  Glorious  Company  of  the 
Apostles!'     "The  Noble  Army  of  Mar- 
tyrs."   "All  Angels!'    "All  Saints!' 
They  take  their  position  in  a  semi-circle. 
Enter   TRINITY    SUNDAY   and   takes  her 
place  in  the  center.    Banner,  "Holy,  Holy, 
Holy." 

TRINITY  SUNDAY.  The  Catholick  Faith  is  this: 
That  we  worship  one  God  in  Trinity,  and  Trinity 
in  Unity; 

Neither  confounding  the  persons:  nor  dividing 
the  substance. 

For  there  is  one  Person  of  the  Father,  another 
of  the  Son  and  another  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

But  the  Godhead  of  the  Father,  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  all  one.  The  Glory  equal,  the 
Majesty  co-eternal. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to 

the  Holy  Ghost. 

[61] 


The  Great  Trail 


ALL  (with  one  accord).  As  it  was  in  the  begin- 
ning, is  now  and  ever  shall  be,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

TRINITY   SUNDAY  steps  back.     MOTHER 

CHURCH  takes  the  centre.  The  Indians  and 

GENTLE-FLOWER  around  her,   outside  of 
these  all  the  others. 

All  sing — "Rise,  crowned  with  light,  imperial 
Salem  rise!" 


eusTAi* 


Photomount 

Pamphlet 

Binder 

Gaylord  Bros.,  Inc.j 

Makers 
Stockton,  Calif 

PAT.  JAN.  21,  1908 


910081 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


